PS 3537 
. 1565 
G4 
1913 
Copy 1 



^ems of 





BY J. B. SIMMONS 



GEMS OF POETRY 






u^^" 



FOREWORD 



This little book of poems is written with the hope that all 
who may read it will be benefited. The human family are in 
many respects alike, regardless of race or color. Religion, Pa- 
triotism, and Love are the controlling factors in each to more or 
less extent. 

The religious poems are intended as food for thought, and 
thoughts for thinkers. The patn'otic and love is the human side 
of the little book. You may say that some of these are frlvilous, 
but think how human -like they are. Some of these poems are 
being published in New York and Washington as songs. 

Before this book was ready for the press, a dying girl at the 
Battle Hill Sanitarium read the beautiful poem, 'The Gospel 
Story." She hung her soul on the promises of Christ, led an 
step by step by the lines of the poem- What a consolation to 
know that my little book is already at work doing good for a 
fellow being. All these poems are original. 

J. B. SIMMONS. 
Atlanta, Ga., December 12, 1913- 



/ 



Copyright, 1913. by J. B. Simmons 

CI.A360828 



GEMS OF POETRY 



SACRED 



THE GOSPEL STORY. 

Oh, that wonderful story! 

That blessed news from above ; 
The simple recorded story, 

Of Jesus and his love. 

How He left His Throne in glory. 

How he walked upon the earrh, 
How He was worshipped by earth and heaven, 

Upon the evening of His birth. 

How he healed the sick and wounded, 

How he raised the dead to life, 
How His presence scattered sunshine. 

And His words did quell the strife. 

How He comforted the mourners 

On the way to Lazarus' tomb, 
How He called him forth in triumph 

From amidst the deathly gloom. 

Oh, the glory of his presence! 

Wonderful man of Gallilee; 
Are you weak and heavy laden ? 

Jesus saith come to me. 

He gave His life a ransom, 
His Mood was shed for me; 



GEMS OF POETRY. 

He satisfied the laws of heaven, 
He set poor sinners free. 

Oh, what a wonderful story! 

Of Jesus and His love, 
How He lived and dwelt among us. 

And has gone back home above. 

But he soon is coming 

Back to earth again. 
Surrounded in clouds of glory. 

With the holy angelic train- 

Oh, this wonderful story! 

In simple childlike faith, 
I am trusting His every promise ; 

I believeth what the Scripture saith. 

The door of heaven is open. 

The way to glory is plain; 
Believe this simple story, 

And enter in Jesus' name. 

He taught us a wonderful story 
Of the Father who dwells above » 

He showed us the way to heaven. 
And to our Father's love. 

Oh, what a wonderful story! 

Of the Son of Man so brave; 
Jesus the King of glory, 

Conquered both hell and the grave. 

This simple gospel story. 

The songs the angels did sing, 

The redemption of the children of men, 
For Jesus is crowned King. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 
GO WORK TODAY. 

The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few; 

Go work in my vineyard today ; 
Now as you want something to do, 

Listen what the Lord may say. 

The harvest is great but the laborers are few, 
Now no longer idle the time away. 

Listen dear soul, this is for you, 

Jesus says go work iu my vineyard today. 

I am going to work in the vineyard today, 

I will work till the setting sun; 
As night turns all the laborers back home, 

That the Master may say well done. 

I am now working in the vineyard of my Lord 
And shall be till the setting of the sun ; 

For the great honor that shall come to me, 
When Jesus shall say well done. 



WHO IS YOUR GOD. 

What sort of a God do you worship ? 

Everybody worships one. 
Your god may be the dollar mark. 

Some others worship the sun. 

What sort of a being do you worship, 

And where does he stay? 
Some people worship fine dresses. 

Others of stone and clay. 

Some believe one thing and some another, 
Many from the truth will turn away ; 

What sort of a God do you worship. 
And where does your god stay? 

Some claim that they came from monkeys, 
And they will tell you so to your face ; 



GEMS OF POETRY. 

But I know that I am the image of my Creator, 
As one of Adam's race. 

The Bible is my way bill and compass 

While traveling here below — 
I will see him at tiie end of my journey, 

Because he has told me so. 

What sort of a god do you worship, 

And where does your god stay? 
We worship the God of heaven, 

Because Jesus has shown us the way. 

This life is only a short journey 

From the cradle unto the grave; 
But we will follow King Jesus, 

For He is Almighty to save. 



WHICH IS YOUR ROAD. 

The royal road is straight and plain, 

It leads to life ever more; 
But the other road is broad and crooked. 

And leads to a dangerous shore. 

That dangerous road is the jolly one, 
Gay passengers on the way, 

They are blinded by old satan's snares, 
And will not hear what you say. 

Sometimes it grieves my heart to see 
The dangerous course they lead — 

But they will not listen to 
Your warnings — no, indeed. 

The broad way leads to death and ruin, 
The straight way leads to rest — 

All manner of styles and fashions, 
Old satan doing his best. 

The King's highway of holiness 
Is the straight and narrow way. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 

It gathers the sweet fragrance of heaven, 
As we journey on the King's highway. 

That broad and crooked, winding highway, 
That leads down to the ocean's strand, 

Is filled with many merry passengers, 
That follow the devil's command. 

Soon they all will be destroyed, 
Yoiu will see them never more; 

As they follow his allitring music, 
Down to the quiick-sand shore. 



WHEN JESUS IS NEAR. 

When trouble and sorrow 
Like a wave over me, 

Come beating and crushing so hard; 
'Tis good to look away 
To heaven's pearly gates 

And trust in Jesus my Lord. 

'Tis so sweet to follow him, 

We need never have a fear — 
Where duty calls we press on our way. 

And know that Jesus is near. 

When man in weakness 
Has spent his last power. 

And is ready to fall by the way; 
'Tis so sweet to lean upon the everlasting arms. 

And hear what our Captain may say. 

Ye that are weary and heavy laden. 
Ye that sq very much need rest — 

Come take my yoke upon you. 
And you shall find rest. 



8 GEMS OF POETRY. 

SWEET SABBATH— DAY OF REST. 

Each Sunday that I am left alone, 
While the others are; gone away; 

'Tis the sweetest hour of this life, 
As I think and write and pray. 

In memory of the risen Lord, 
The mi£?vty King of Heaven, 

Who conquered all death, hell and grave, 
This da>, the blessed of seven. 

The powers of hell were put to flight, 
This blessed day of the seven — 

When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 
Was crowned King of earth and heaven. 

Sweet Sabbath day of rest, 

Tlic blessed one of seven — 
When we can cease our toiling strife 

And think of the laws of heiaven. 

Six days of the battle for gain. 
In the busy rumble and roar — 

But in the quietness of the seventh again, 
'Tis sweet as ever before. 

How I love the solitude. 

And the quretness of the hour — 

No one near to interfere. 

My communion with the Father. 



HUNGERING AND THIRSTING. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after rightepusness 
for they shall be filled. — Words of Jesus. 

My soul is hungry for truth today. 

Blessed Savior I am thine own; 
Wilt Thou lead me on the way 

And keep me near Thy throne. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 

Dear Lord, I am sorry for all of my sins. 

My heart is grieved today; 
Do let me walk close with Thee — 

Yes to all eternity. 

Thou knowest how I want to do right, 

Yet how weak in my power- 
Dear Lord do sa%^c rj^c today, 

Save me this very hour. 

I can do nothing within myself, 

For I am only a man; 
But with the help of thy Holy Spirit, 

What a power I'll be dn the land ! 

Jesus, I know that I am thine. 
And that Thou lovest me; 
I am trusting thee for all in this life, 
And in the great eternity. 

When my soul shall take its flight, 

And leave this body of clay, 
Then will I join my departed ones. 

And meet my Lord in that day. 



OUR CAPTAIN- 

Do you think upon the story, 

That is wonderful, great and true, 

When you reach the King in Glory, 
Never again can harm touch you. 

Here we have our trials and troubles. 
With now and then some pleasure too; 

But if we will follow Jesus, 
He will lead us safely through. 

The more I think upon this subject, 
The plainer it is shown to me — 

The closer that we follow Jesus, 
Less of our power we. shall see. 



10 GEMS OF POETRY. 

Let us follow close our Captain, 
Keeping ne;ar Him day by day, 

Never trusting any other, 
For Jesus is the only way. 

If we follow any other, 

We will sure be brought to strife — 
Jesus Christ is our Captain, 

He's the way — the truth — the life. 

Oh, how sweet the invitation! 

That is sent to rich and poor — 
If you ever enter heaven, 

It will be through Jesus, the open door. 



GOOD ADVICE. 

Sometimes it makes us sad to think. 

The pathway we have led ; 
When we consider the advice given 

By those now with the dead. 

'Tis hard to think that we should ever 

The pathway of sin trod. 
Against the^ teaching of parents dear. 

And of our parents, God. 

But as we think upon the way. 
The course oui life has led. 

Then are we brought to realize 
The wisdom that was said. 



THAT HAPPY TIME- 

We read in the Scriptures of a time that is coming. 
Which is most glorious and wonderful to me. 

When the earth shall be filled of knowledge of the Lordj 
As the water that covers the sea. 

And old satan shall be bound down a thousand years, 
And there shall.be no death or sickness in the land. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 11 

When all shall know and do the will of the Lord, 
And follow His holy command. 

Oh, 1 long to see that day of all days! 

Wiien Jesus shall come to earth again; 
When this old earth shall blossom as a rose., 

As a part of his domain. 

He is coming again, He is coming again. 

It's true, for the B ble so declares ; 
That the good on earth, with the dead in Christ, 

Shall meet Him up in the air. 



THE BIBLE. 

Give me the Holy Bible, 

'Tis the blessed story from above. 
For it teaches the way to heaven, 

And tells of our Father's love 

Some claim they do not need it, 
And doubt its teaching of love ; 

But I need its ever precepts. 
Its glory is from above;. 

The Bible with its holy teaching 
Is casting light upon my way, 

Teaching me the love of Jesus, 

Who will rule in the judgment day. 

Give me, yes, give me the Bible ; 

It turns the darkness into light; 
It points unto me the Savior, 

The way — the truth — the light. 



MY EXPERIENCE. 

There is something in the heart of man 

1 hat is hard for me to see, 
It did not originate in the land of time. 

But came from eternity. 



12 GEMS OF POETRY. 

There is a fault in the heart of mine, 
That is desperately wicked and wild, 

That brings me down in shame and disgrace; 
Lord, help me be as a little child. 

There are two powers that are working in me, 

A warfare all within; 
One uplifts to a higher life, ' 

The other drags down to sin. 

Oh, Lord of heaven! Look down below, 

And have compassion on me. 
Help me to become as a little child. 

So Thy Spirit can dwell in me. 

, There are two persons of each of us. 
The soul and body too; 
While one is drawn in the path of sin. 
The othQr Thy will would do. 

The hungry craving of my soul, 
The mighty power that is within; 

'Tis the spirit of the risen Christ, 
Conquering that old man of sin. 

Oh, that I could each moment live, 
And forever in the Spirit dwell. 

Then would I walk the narrow way 
And save poor souls from hell. 



YOUR BLESSINGS. 

Have you ever stopped to number 
The many bless' ngs of the Lord; ' 

Will you lean upon His promises. 
And take the Savior at His word? 

As I think upon His mercies. 
How He's kept me day to day, 

How my heart is filled with wonder, 
Of His light upon the way. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 13 

How my path was filled with danger, 

With Satan's snares upon the way, 
How He watched my every action, 

Trying to ruin me both night and day. 

How he worked with wicked cunning, 

Trying so 'hard my faith to sever ; 
But Jesus has promised in the Bible, 

To forget me He wiiJl never. 

To forget thee I will never, 
Yet a mother may forget her child; 
As ye journey bear the standard, 
I'll reward thee after a while. 



CHEATED OF THE PRICE. 

J am being cheated of th^ price, 

Old satan is getting in his work today; 
The best of my life is being waste.d, 

The evil one is blocking my way- 
Cheated of the price as a man. 

Yes cheated of the price I say; 
Look young woman, young man, 

The devil is cheating you today. 

Cheated in the price as long as you live. 
Unless you trust Jesus on your way; 

He is able to turn you from evil into good, 

And the darkest hour into brightness of the dar 



JESUS IS COMING. 

Jesus is coming to earth again. 
Oh, how glorious is the news ! 

The greatest message that ever was told, 
I am telling now to you- 

Si?i and satan shall disappear 
When Jesus comes to earth again ; 



14 GEMS OF POETRY. 

There will be no death nor sickness in the land 
When you hear the glad refrain. 

I am looking for Jesus every day, 

Blessed be His great name; 
There will be no more sorrow in all the land, 

When Jesus comes to earth again. 

Old Satan he has had 'his day, 

When Jesus comes to earth again — 

For he shall be bound down with chains, 
When King Jesus comes again. 

This old earth shall blossom as a rose, 
When King Jesus comes again, 

Restored back to its former glory, 
As saints and angels sing the refr.ain. 

Bless Jehovah for this Mighty One, 

King Jesus is His name; 
How my heart leaps as this I read, 

Jesus is coming to earth again. 

Jesus is crowned King, and Lord of lords, 
And he is coming back to earth again, 

For all the universe t's His own, 
And He is coming back to earth again. 



A TALK WITH MY SOUL, OR IS IT WORTH WHILE? 

I am a man, and, as a man I am beset or blessed, with a per- 
fect network of ('ntelligence. Where did I get it? How came I 
here? Who am I? i Where did I come from? And when I leave 
here, where am I going? 

This is a mighty question, fraught with eternal happiness or 
woe. Who can answer me ? I look upon the past ; no answer. I 
question the present and the sealed future. But an inward 
something— a still, small voice, though soft and sweet, yet 
mighty as the eternal ages, whispers the answer, soft and sweet, 
yet loud and clear: 

*'Thou came from God; the eternal ruler and superruler, 
the creator of the universe, and are entitled to a great and glor- 



GEMS OF POETRY. 15 

ious home with Him who rules forever and ever. And again 
thou shall retain thy own personal identification as a resurrect- 
ed, glorified being in the realm where the wicked cease from 
troubling, and the weary are at rest." 

Is it worth while to think over these things ; 

Is it worth while, I say ; 
Is it worth while to fear the eternal; 

Is it worth while to pray? 

When you come in close touch with death, 

Where all your power doth cease, 
Then you are brought to realize 

Eternal woe or peace. 

We are here in this life as a training school. 

By a wiser power than we, 
A loving Father — ^the great eternal — 

Holds out His hands to me. 

These loving words doth greet mine ear. 

My soul is filled with power ; 
''Come home, come home, my wandering child. 

Unto thy lov'ng Father." 

Gladly I hear the welcome call ; 

Quickly I turn to obey. 
My Father, give me Thy loving hand. 

For I am coming home today. 

I am sinful, oh my Father, 

But I long Thy face to see;; 
And Thy blessed Son has promised 

When He comes, like Him I'll be. 

While down here amidst temptation. 

Father, help, I humbly pray ; 
Give me strength, give me wisdom, i 

Hour by hour, day by day. 

Christ, my Lord and blessed Savior, 
Hear my humble prayer, I pray ; 



16 GEMS OF POETRY. 

Take my hand and lead me gently, 
Lest in the way of sin I stray. 

My soul has felt the mighty power; 

My heart is glad today, 
Foi I've heard my Savior calling, 

And I am going home to stay. 

Home with Jesus — blessed thoug'ht, — 

That man who died for me ; 
When I see Him face to face, 

That will be heaven for me. 

Have you ever talked with your own soul, and Iqt your own 
soul get in communion with its maker? When the cares, the 
troubles and weakness, together with the disappointments of this 
life, are all forgotten, and this old body lies dormant as one dead? 

Then, instead of feasting and pampering this old sinful, 
-earthly body, your soul seems to leap and flee away — away to its 
former and future home — and feast on the celestial glory, and see 
and hear things that mind of man can not understand nor com- 
prehend. Such experience, even if it is but a glimpse of th^ celes- 
tial glory, is worth more than a lifetime here on earth. 

I would that my soul could feast more and more upon the ' 
glorie;S that never have been told. 



MY SOUL. 

My soul, why art thou sad today. 
Why art thou so cast down ? 

You will not keep in the narrow way; 
In no other can peace be found. 

My soul, must I always be 
Guided by what thou saith? 

Yes ; look, oh look away. 
Toward the crystal sea. 

Up towards the pearly gates, 

Up to the city of gold ; 
Up where Enoch and Elijah went. 

And all the saints of old. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 17 

Up where the angel band doth sing; 

Up where all is love ; 
Up where the everlasting King 

Reigns supreme above. 



LOST OPPORTUNITIES. 

It is useless to gricive over past opportunities, 

Of chances v/e once had ; 
Our lives are but once on the sea of time, 

And all will be over when we are dead. 

No longer shall I sit and pine; 

No longeir shall I decry. 
For all will be settled pretty soon, 

When we are called to die. 

There is One who watches each child of error, 

Who pities our sad mistake; 
With tender voice; and loving hand, 

Will direct'us when we awake. 

Dear Lord, look down, have pity on rne, 

A child of Adam's race; 
It hurts my heart to think of the past' 

Help me the future to face. 

The pathway of life is a treacherous one. 

Inlaid by many a snare; 
But the danger of the future I face. 

Knowing that Thou art near. 



ETERNITY. 

Eternity, eternity, w'hat does that 

Saying mean to me. 
When I am gone, and passed away. 

When my spirit has left this home of clay? 

Eternity, eternity. What hast thou got 
In store for me; 



18 GEMS OF POETRY. 

When I have passed the judgment day, 
Where will I spend eternity? 

We are in this life as a training school, 

The Bible shows the way, 
If we take Jesus at His word 

The way is plain as light o^f day. 

Eternity, eternity, where will I spend eternity? 

My time is short, I am passing away; 
Lord Jesus, hear, I humhly pray ; 

Save me this hour, yes, save me today. 



HOLINESS. 

No one can tell how my heart longs for 
The peace that comes from above, 

As I look back through the portals of time, 
And think of my Father above. 

As I look and think and see far away, 

All of my generations of time. 
As they pass on, an endless throng. 

From me to his presence divine. 

Well do I know that He loved them, 

And that He loves me too; 
Dear Lord, I pray in humbleness. 

Help me Thy will to do. 

I know I dwelt in pure holiness 

Once in that spirit land, 
And that the way for my return 

Is opened by the Son of Man. 

Oh, Father, grant, I humbly pray ! 

Care for the wandering one; 
Help me to walk with Thee on earth. 

At last home again with Thy Son. 



^ 



GEMS OF POETRY. 19 

THEIR GOD OF SILVER AND GOLD- 

As I walked down the streets of the city, 
I saw things that made my blood run cold, 

So many men and women. 

Worshiping the god of silver and gold. 

There were old and young together, 

As they were hurrying on their way, 
Never stopp'ng for another, 

And never a kind word did they say. 

Oh, 'tis nothing but the money. 

As I heard some young girl sing ; 
No, 'tis nothing but the money 

That will my attention bring. 

You can talk of health and beauty, 

Or of good morals, too, 
But nothing but the money 

Will their business do. 

Their parents have taught it to them. 

They see it every day; 
But they will mourn for all of this 

In that great judgment day. 

The girls and married women, 

I shudder as this I say, 
For big hats and fine dresses. 

Are drifting far, yes, far away- 

The virtues of our old mothers. 

They never once do tell, 
For they are bl'nded by their god of money, 

And are going on to hell. 

The men and boys are like them. 

They too have gone astray — 
'Tis money, money, money — 

The devil— and that great day. 



20 gkms of poetry. 

'Tis sad to view this picture 

Of all our people today — 
The greed of gold has lost their soul 

And they are sinking fast away. 

Oh if they only would listen 
To the words of w.!sdom told; 

They could soon see something else 
Besides their god of gold. 

This city with hundreds of thousands, 
With its wealth almost untold, 

Yet how lonesome I feel today, 
As I am no worshiper of gold. 

I suffer many persecutions, 

Yes, of hunger and of cold — 

But I am looking for a home above, 
Whose glories are yet untold. 

While wandering here a stranger, 
I have a message of love; 

Jesus the blessed redeemer 
Has sent me from above. 

The door of heaven is open, 

That all may enter in. 
For believe that Jesus is the Son of God, 

You shall be saved from sin. 

The great day is close at hand, 

All that look may see, 
That we will be in time no more. 

But in the great eternity. 

He that follows the Son of God, 
Remember — he shall never die; 

But when he leaves this mortal frame, 
Shall find his home in the sky. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 21 

I AM ONLY A MAN. 

The one great desire of my life shall be, 

While traveling here below, 
To live up to the golden rule, 

That others may see and know. 

Is there anythino- I can do, 

To help my fellow man; k, ^ J" .- 

To ease the load that is crushing him 

Into the sinking sand? 

For every one has got his troubles, 

And every one his burden too, 
Think as you silently pass your neighbor, 

A friend, a brother, as often you do. 

You can never tell 'his troubles. 

Or how soon that he may die; 
If you have a heart within you, 

Speak a kind word while passing by. 

Speak a kind word, ease your conscience, 

Do the very best you can — 
You will feel the help you give him. 

As you help your fellow man. 



HIS PROMISES- 

I cannot live without thee, 
I need Thee every day, 

And wiith Thy loving kindness 
I Have light upon my way. 

I need Thee every hour. 

Yes Lord, every moment too- 
Take my hand and lead me on, 

That T Thy will may do. 



I feel my weakness, Lord ; 
The power and glory is thine, 



22 GEMS OF POETRY. 

1 am leaning upon the everlasting arms, 
As I recall Thy words to mind. 

Ye that are heavy laden, 

And ye that are sorely oppressed, 

Come take me at my own word 
And lean upon my breast. 

To forsake thee I will never. 

And never will leave thee alone — 

For where I am there ye shall be. 
As there is room upon my throne. 



TRIUMPH. 

The triumph of Christianity, 

Oh, what does it mean ! 
The overthrow of old Satan, 

All evil passing away as a dream. 

Christ alone the ruler 

Of sea, earth and air; 
No death or sickness anywhere. 

No evil thought or fear. 

Oh, it will be great glory ! 

When Jesus comes again. 
Crowned in royal majesty 

As Lord and King of kings. 

Oh, the glory of his presence, 
And of His great victory won, 

And to know that He is Jesus, 
The heavenly Father's Son. 

Jesus, oh yes, 'tis Jesus ! 

He that walked upon the sea — 
Crowned in glory and honor, 

Coming again to earth in victory. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 23 

ZION CITY. 

Zion City is comfng" a^ain, 

Enoch City seen of old — 
It's glory has never been described, 

And it's beauty has never been told. 

I see the glory of Zion, 

When Christ shall come to earth again; 
For it is the new Jerusalem, 

Where Christ in glory shall reign. 

Oh, what a wonderful city ! 

Who's builder and maker is God, 
On its streets of pure shining gold 

No sinful man has ever trod. 

Oh, God of heaven, have mercy ! 

And grant my humble prayer — 
That when Thy Son shall come again. 

That He may call me up there. 

The righteous shall all be awakened. 

They will hear the glad refrain — 
For Jesus will call them up there. 

When he comes back to earth again. 



TODAY. 

Today is all you have of life. 

Let duty be well done — 
Yesterday is numbered with the past. 

And tomorrow may never come. 



24 GEMS OF POETRY. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT. 

Did you know that your body is the temple of the Liv'ng 

'God, and He requires us to keep it clean for the; indwelling of the 

Holy Spirit? Did you know that if we keep the temple clean and 

the Spirit of God dwells in us that we are then the children of 

God, and when we come to die and they shall say he or she is 

g-one, that we will be with Jesus and the holy saints and angels ? 

Let us be careful what we think. As a man thinketh in his heart 

so is he. Thoughts are real things ; think good and good will 

surround you. Think of our Creator and how he made us in His 

own image, think of the glory of the King of the universe. How 

he loves His earthly children. Think how we will be caught 

up in the air to meet Jesus when he comes to earth again, that 

is if we keep this temple clean. Did you ever think of the trees 

and what they mean to us ? It was under an a^ple tree that satan 

consummated the plan for the downfall of man. It was under 

a juniper tree that great prophet Elijah rested. 'Tis under the 

trees that Eovers meet to pledge their undying fidelity to each 

■other. Did you ever think of the lesson wq can learn from our 

watch? The case represents the body of man, the works tht 

soul: take out the works, the case i^ dead. Take away the soul 

and the body is dead. Think always, but always think good. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 25 



PATRIOTIC AND OTHERWISE 



DREAMING. 



I am sitting- by the fireside, 

Dreaming all alone, 
Of my many fruitless journeys, 

Since I left my happy home. 

How my heart was filled with rapture 

Of the only — only girl, 
That could bring the sunshine of pleasure, 

I so need in this cold world. 

How I raved in her beauty, 

As I thought her heart so true; 

How her smiles would bring me pleasure, 
As I looked in her eyes so blue. 

But, alas, my heart is broken, 
And my hair is turning gray — 

For my darling's love has left me ; 
With another she has gone astray. 

Oh, my darling, oh, my darling, 
Don't you hear my pitiful cry ; 

Will you come back to my arms, dear, 
Before I say forever, goodbye? 



GOODBYE. 

I am going on a journey, 

And my time is drawing nigh ; 

3 am leaving this 'hustling city. 
Goodbye, Atlanta, goodbye. 



26 GEMS OF POETRY. 

CHORUS. 
1 am, going away to leave you, 

You need not ask me why ; 
Your love is for another, 

Goodbye, little giirl, goodbye. 

The time has come for parting, 
And the reason I tell you why; 

My girl has gone and fooled me- 
Goodbye, Atlanta, goodbye. 

My head is bowed in sadness, 
My heart is rent in twain; 

I am going away to leave you, 
And never return again. 

The city upon the hill tops. 

With buildings reaching high, 

I am going aw,ay to leave you. 
Goodbye, Atlanta, goodbye. 



WHAT YOU GWINE TER DO. 

What yer gwine ter do fur de policyman, 

De town is gone dry ; 
What yer gwine ter do fur de funiture man, 

De town's gone dry. 

Oh, what yer gwine ter do. 

What yer gwine ter do? 

Fse gwine ter git my ticket, 

I'se gwine ter skiddoo, 

Fur de town's gone dry. 

Oh, what yer gwine ter do fer de old rent man, 

De town's gone dry; 
Oh, what yer gwine ter do fur de groceryman, 

De town's gone dry ; 

De boss he has dun told me, 

Dat he'd have let go uv me- 

Oh, what's I gwine ter do. 

Fur de town's gone dry. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 27 

De bailiff he's dun got his eye on me, 

Dis am one nigger that can always see. 

Oh, what's I gwine ter do, fur de town gone dry. 

Oh what's I gwine ter do ter help my honey ? 

De baby am crying and Tse got no money, 

Oh what's I gwaie ter do? 
Oh I wish I had dem good old days back, 
I drink my booze and shoot dem crap — . 

Oh what's I gwine ter do? 

Oh what's I gwine ter do ter git de charcoal, 

De town's gooe dry ; 
Oh, what's I gwine ter do ter wash dem clothes, 

Oh, what's I gwine ter do — 

My old man am dun run away, 

Tse got no money, so Tse got ter stay. 

Oh what's I gwine ter do? 

What's I gwine ter do to meet dem troubles, 
It sho seems lack dey always comes double, 

What's I gwine ter do. 

Fur de town's gone dry. 



rSE GWINE AWAY. 

Goodbye, my little gal ; 

Goodbye, my Linda Jane ; 
I'se gwine away to leave you 

And never come back again. 

O'h, how you used to love me, 

Oh, how your heart was true ; 
For your loving little boy 

Any old thing you would do. 

But now your love has gone out the window, 

So I'se gwine out the door — 
I'se gwine away to leave you. 

And never come back any more. 



28 GEMS OF POETRY. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

George Washington fought bravely 
For the land he loved so well ; 

And yet the things he suffered 
No mortal tongue can tell. 

He trudged on so bravely, 

With his men who were tried and true ; 
Fighting for his beloved Country, 

And fighting for me and you. 

He wore old shoes so ragged. 
And ate such hard cold bread; 

And his military coat was used 
Often as a pillow for his head. 

And when the war was ended, 
And Americans all had won, 

Our people called a president, 
Our brave George Washington. 



AN IDEAL LIFE. 

I am looking for a lady. 

With eyes so pretty and blue, 

Whose heart is young and tender, 
And her life so sweet and true. 

Whose every word and action 
For the good of others is meant ; 

She follows the lives of the heroes. 
As shown in the New Testament. 

Living such a life among us. 

Does more than tongue can tell 
To relieve the present suffering 

And save poor souls from hell. 



GEMS OF POETRY. n 

ATLANTA, GOODBYE. 

i 
April is now here and it looks like May. 
From old Atlanta I am moving- away. 
I'll go So far I can never return, 
Afar, afar, I will ever sojourn, 

CHORUS. 

I am going away, Atlanta, goodbye- 
If I had wings from you I would fly, 
But to leave my friends ;it makes me cry. 
I am going away, Atlanta, goodbye- 
Atlanta is a good place, as anyone will say ; 
' Yes, a very good place w^hen I am far away — 
B'.'.t will I remember, will I remember. 
The times, the times in cold December. 

THEWIND. 

I stood watching the flowers nodding their heads 

As the birds were singing in the trees, 
Hearing the news from far away, 

That was brought to me in the breeze. 

CHORUS. 
As the wind came singing in my ears, 
As the wind came singing in my ears, 
Telling me tales of far away, 
Things that happened yesterday and today, 

The old earth seemed wrapped in joy, ■ 
Blessings seemed scattered all around ; 

No one was mad, everyone was glad;. 
The benediction of peace was profound. 

I heard the vo'.ces of children at play, 

Everywhere were songs of joy ; 
It made me think of childhood days, 

When I was only a boy. 



30 GEMS OF POETRY. 

Again I roamed the field at large, 
Around the old home place; 

I seemed to have the joy of youth, 
And could see my parent's face. 



THE COUNTRY GIRL. 

Tlie country girl is the girl for me, 
Give honor to whom honor is due — 

She will stand by you, whatever betides, 
As a good wife and mother too. 

CHORUS. 
In beauty rear her golden hair, 

Or locks of raven hue 
If you are looking for a wife — 

The joy of your life — 

Take the country girl home with you. 

The country girl so clean, so nice, 

And full of innocent fun ; 
She is a queen in any dress, 

Even in her old homespun. 

The country girl at work or play. 

Whatever she finds to do; 
Willing worker as queen of the land, 

And a good wife and mother too. 



HOME. 

Oh, that I had som.e place to re;st. 
Some place I could call my own ; 

Some place where I would be in peace, 
Some place to cal' my home. 

CHORUS. 

Somebody to love me and be my own, 
Someone to meet me and welcome me home, 
Someone whose smiles as sweet as day. 
Would drive the troubles of to"ls away. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 31 

Home — such a home — how happv I would be. 
Whether in the mountains or down by the sea — 
. Home — yes, my home. 

I get so tired of this weary way, 

No place to call my own; 
No one to greet me, no one to meet me, 

When I go where I call home. 

My heart yearns for a place to rest, 

Afte.r my toil is over; 
Some place to rest and be in peace. 

Some place to call my own. 



MY HOME. 

Lonely I wander, sadly I roam, 
Seeking for comforts of a good home ; 
But, alas, never shall I find it, 
Never till I see my own. 

CHORUS. 

Oh, I want peace at home ! 

Ob, I want my home so fair — 

Blessed with peace and plenty and rectitude; 

Then sweet comfort I shall find. 

I've wandered till Tm tired, Tm sad all alone» 
Never can I rest till I see my home. 
Shall I yet wander, shall I y^t roam? 
No, I am going home. 

Soon I'll have pleasure of peace at home;, 
Then will I be satisfied, dwelling all alone — 
No, 'tis impossible for me ever to be, 
Without the aid of her I long to se;e. 

I am in the garden, among the flowers I roam, 
Tm looking for the lily or rose to carry home — 
It matters not the name or of what size it be. 
If it only brings peace unto me. 



32 GEMS OF POETRY. 

When I have; peace sitting by the fire, 
I shall work at last to go up higher; 
When the death angel has called for me, 
Then I'll rest to all eternity. 



THE CHILD OF TWO. 

When I was a child of two, 

And as bright as the stars that shine, 

Nothing of this world I knew. 

Except .mother and father were mine. 

CHORUS. 

Mother and father are the dearest on earth, 
So wandering ones come home. 

For there you'll find the voice of mirth, 
Welcoming the wandering ones who roam. 

And still as a child of two, 

Being nursed on dear mother's knee, 

I was proud as the winds that blew. 
Never thought she would leave me. 

One morning when only age two, 

As the golden rays gleamed on mother's face, 
She knew she loved us with a heart so true, 

Yet she must go to her resting place. 

The God of heaven knoweth best. 

His work we would not undo ; 
*Tis now we who know the least 

Will prepare to meet father and mother too. 



THE MANHOOD OF GEORGIA. 

The manhood of Georgia rose up as one man. 
Saying I'll do the very best I can^ 
Now, if everything seems to you in a whirl, 

I'm only trying to save your boy and girl. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 33 

Sometimes I feel my head in a whirl, 

Trying to save somebody's girl ; 
Now let the old devil try to decoy — 

Come now I am saving your own dear boy. 

Come friends and help me today, 

Let's drive that cusse,d stuff away — 
Oh, I am so glad! Oh, I am so glad, 

Georgia has gone dry today. 

Many a poor man and woman can say, 

Those far away from virtue astray. 
Strong drink has been my ruin. 

Strong drink has been my ruin. 

Oh, I am so glad for Georgia today. 

That we have got that stuff out of the w;'y ; 
New look out for old Satan's decoy- 
Save the girj— yes, save; the boy. 

CHORUS. 
Oh, I am so glad ! Oh, I am. so glad ! 

Oh, I am so glad ! Georgia has gone dry today— 
O'h, I am so glad ! Oh, I am sq glad ! 

Georgia has gone dry today. 



CHARACTER OR REPUTATION? 

It is an easy matter to establish a man's reputation: but h"s 
character is a matter of more vital dmportance. Reputation is what 
the people think of yoU' they give your reputation to suit their 
changing fancy. But character is what you are when no other 
eye can see, and no other ear can hear you. Character will live 
on and on through trials and tell you in the stillness of the dark- 
est night what you are. Your true character is what you are 
When alone uninfluenced by any other. That is your true char- 
acter. 

The secret and desire of our heart. 

When we are all alone, 
Is a true index of our inner life, 

And a view of our future is shown. 



34 GEMS OF POETRY. 

The reputat'on of each of us 

Is what the people say ; 
But the character of the man is the will of the man, 

In night as well as day. 

Take the man whose actions are seen, 

Who feels the gaze of the world — 
Reputation to him is more than wealth. 

His mind keeps in a whirl. 

Character alone is what he is, 

When no other eye is near — 
It's how he does, and what he does, 

Without reward or fear. 



FRATERNITY OR BROTHERLY LOVE. 

Deep as the mighty ocean, 

Boundless as the sea, 

Is true brotherly love or fraternity. 

Brotherly love, what does it mean? 

The secret of acf.on yet unseen. 

Why do you say how do you do, 

Unless your word action is true — 

Fraternity, true fraternity, 

Boundless as the ocean 

And as deep as the sea, 

Say it now and let it be true — 

Good morning, brother, how do you do? 



THIS WORLD. 

What sort of a world would this world be 
If everybody in the world was just like me — 
With my aspirations and passions too ? 
If we were all alike what would we do ? 

Never a harm word would be spoken, 
And never a mean act done ; 
We all would be as one great family, 
From the rising to the sett" ng of the sun. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 35 

What sort of a world would this world be, 
If every one was like what they seem to me? 
Such quarreling, fighting and wrangling, too ; 
Always doing what they should not do. 



OLD ALABAM. 

I am waiting at the station 
With my ticke.t in my hand, 

I am gwine to see them children, 
Way down in Alabam. 

Gwine back to the country, 
Back to that good land — 

I hear dat train am blowing. 
Way down in old Alabam. 

Talk about yur cotton, 

And dem chicken in the land — 
But, oh! what juicy melons. 

Way down in Alabam. 

I am gwine back to Dixie, 
Gwine back to that fair land. 

Back to my wife and children. 
Way down in old Alabam. 



THE MOON. 

The moon shines brighter for me 

Than it does for anyone else. 
The sun and the wind and the showers 

All try to do their very best. 

Oh, the moon shines bright for me, 
The sun and showers do their best — 

The wind blows cool and the flowers are sweet, 
But the moon shines bright for me. 

If there is a man in the moon, 

I am sure that there is a woman, too ; 



36 GEMS OF POETRY. 

For the moon shines brighter for me 
Than it does for any one else. 

The sun and the showers, 
The wind and the flowers, 

All are doing their very best — 

But the moon shines bright for me. 



THE OCEAN. 

The old ocean with her rumble and roar 

Has a story that's never been told — 
For what she has done for the children of men 

is wonderful indeed to behold. 

She has swallowed them up by the thousands at a time, 
And could never seem to get enough — 

It's dangerous for a man to walk upon her strand 
When the great old ocean is rough. 

But I love to listen to the story of the waves 
As they come on, yes to the shore — 
They tell me tales that have never been told 
As I walk upon her fair shore.. 

When she is quiet and easy as can be, 

No trouble upon her fair face. 
She furnishes us food and rocks us to sleep 

Like the mother's kind embrace. 

Listening to the story of the waves — of the waves, 
As I walk upon her fair shore — fair shore; 

As she tells me the story that's never been told, 
As she comes on closer than ever before. 



SWEET MIUSIC 

My soul is filled with music, 

And my heart is beating time — 

I want to lead the world right 
In sweet melodious chime. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 37 

Alusic, sweet music all the day long, 

Every one playing and singing sweet songs ; 

Music, sweet music both night and day, 
I'verybody rejoiciri'^ in the right way. 

Wh^n your soul is filled with music. 

And your heart is free from guile, 
We are marching on to conquer 

As happy as a child. 

You may make your laws to suit you, 

Only let me make your songs ; 
While you have a few to listen 

I will have a million strong. 

THE REV. MR. ADAMS— AT SILENT GROVE. 

Last night we went to preaching. 

Myself, wife and baby too; 
Wishing to remain through the services. 

As it is our custom to do. 

But knowing somewhat of the preacher, 

I soon saw that danger was nigh 
By the deep furrows in his forehead. 

And the storm cloud in his eye. 

So gathering himself to his full length, 

While towering so very high, 
He shouted at the top of his mighty voice, 

'T am disturbed when children cry." 

Now you mothers of those little disturbers. 

Take your seats away back there ; 
And if you fail to hush his mouth, 

Then take him out in the night air. 

The meeting, it was lengthy, 

In thunder tones he did rear — 
While the fond but tired mothers 

Were exposed to the foul nig-ht air. 

i 

Wnitten 1899, while a Mr. Adams was conducting a meet- 
ing at Silent Grove Baptist Church. He did not love children, 
therefore these lines. 



38 GEMS OF POETRY. 

THE OLD TURPENTINE. 

See the youth as he stands, 

Hearing his father's voice 

And obeying his commands — 

Go, my son, finish yours and I will finish mine, 

For you know we must work the old turpentine. 

He goes and does all he can. 

But he don't much like 'his father's plan; 

For this is ever in his mind, 

Farming pays better than turpentine. 

His father by sad experience long has known the same. 

And knowing his son must follow his footprints it gives him 

pain. 
For this is ever in his mind, 
Farming pays better than turpentine. 

Awake, ye Christians all over creaton, 

For the farmer is the backbone of the nation. 

Ask God to bless the true farmer's plan, 

That the youths may rejoice all over the land. 

There is a time coming, all that look may see 
Our future country as it is shown to me, 
When the youth of the country together may shine, 
Working where God intended, not in the turpentine. 

I wrote this when about 15 years old. A country boy's first 
e;flFort at rhyme. 

AS WE GROW OLD. 

She told him that her love was true. 

That her heart forever would be, 
And nothing could break 'her love for him — 

Neither time nor eternity. 

But time has wrought a wonderful change. 

Her love seems growing cold — 
But she is only endangering both. 

For we are growing old. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 39 

Time is slipping so fast away 

Till I hardly know what to say; 
The strength of youth is failing too, 

And we are turning gray. 



THOSE FLOWERS. 

'Tis only a bunch of sweet flowers, 
In kindness of friendship given, 

But how they lighten the load of care, 
And help us to think of heaven. 

But, oh, these beautiful flowers, 

The; trouble they did brile — 
They innocently caused a terrible row. 

And made old satan smile. 

A bunch of beautiful flowers, 

The comfort they may bring; 
They gladden the heart of the humblest ones. 

And make the mightiest sing. 

Oh, how I love sweet flowers. 
The innocency of childhood too — 

It makes me think of the joy of heaven. 
And helps me my duty to do. 

These beautiful, yes, beautiful flowers. 
The silent messengers of peace on earth. 

How tbcy help me cast away fear. 
And think of my Savior's birth. 



GEORGIA— THE OLD THIRTEEN. 

Georgia, the name so dear to me ; 
Thy mountains and hills and level country; 
With all of her glory and natural-born wealth 
Of gold and silver — but best of all health. 

Her sons so brave and full of chivalry. 
Original thirteen is the land for me — 



40 GEMS OF POETRY. 

Awaken, dear Georgia, to your true situation, 
Show the world you are the be.st of the nation. 

Her patriotic sons and daughters so free, 
Dear old Georgia is the land for me; 
Her hills are rich in silver and gold, 
Her level country 'has wealth untold- 



GEORGIA THE EMPIRE. 

The old thirteen, as she swings into Lne, 

Cares neither for winter nor summertime;; 

For she has all and both within her own boundary 

As she reaches from the mountains way down to the; sea. 

CHORUS. 
Georgia, the empire state of the nation, 

With her millions so happy and free, 
With 'her natural wealth and beauty — 

The gem of the whole country. 

Georgia, the great and so lovely, 
With patriotic sons and daughters so free. 
Holds out her arms, inviting to all. 
To suffering millions who heed her call. 

Never a country so mighty and great. 

All the different climates within her own State. 

If you want to be prosperous and gay, 

Heed the fair warning, come to Georgia today. 



CAROLINA. 

Carol na, Carolina, 

Thy name's ever dear to me ; 
Thy rocks, hills, and mountains 

And level country : 
Thy beautiful towns and cities. 

Thy fields of golden grain ; 
As they reach from the land of the sky 

Down to the mighty main. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 41 

Thy lovely sons and daug'hters, 

Born in the land of the free, 
With institutions of learning, 

Of virtue and modesty: 
With the whispering breeze of mountains 

And the lullaby of the sea; 
Filled with patroitic devotion, 

As brave as brave can be. 

We love thy mountains and valleys, 

We love thy hills and plain; 
With the bee hives of industry 

And the institutions of fame. 
To defend thee we will ever, 

As the bravest of sons do, 
As we unfurl aloft thy banner. 

The red white and blue. 



THE CALL OF THE WAVES. 

The deep sea waves are calling to me, 

I hear their rumble and roar, 
Their white foam crest crowning the waves 

As they rush on to the shore. 

I stand and think as I look far away 

And watch the inrushing tide ; 
Thinking of the millions who have gone below, 

Between this and the oher side. 

The deep sea waves are calling for me, 

As softly they speak my name, 
Saying your fathers all listened to me, 
Why do you not do the same? 

I helped you to gain each battle you w^on. 
As you struggled both night and day : 

I've furnished you food and rocked you to sleep ; 
No one could do more, I say. 



42 GEMS OF POETRY. 

As the enemy came in numbers so great, 
To land upon your fair shore, 

I swallowed them up in the dead of the night 
And they never were seen any more. 

The deep sea wave is calling for me 
In the sweetest lullaby of the sea, 

Forever moving on, both day and night, 
Still calling and whispering to me. 

The deep sea wave is still calling for me, 

I hear its enchanting song, 
With music so sweet — the song of the deep, 

As it sings to me all day long. 

CHORUS 

The salt sea breeze is blowing over me, 
Its dampness like dew in my hair, 

Singing the songs of far away 
As it whispers in my ear. 



MARY PHAGAN. 

Virtue /is a rare jewel, whose value is beyond the dollar 
mark; all men of all nations, honor a virtuous gin or woman. 

With fairness and justice toward all men, 

With hatred and prejudice to none, 
I have written these lines as they came to me, 

As one of Georgia's adopted sons. 

Bright as the morning light 

And modest as the dew. 
Came little Mary on the trolley car, 

As often as she did do. 

Came to draw her money. 

And to see the parade that day ; 
She; knew not a murderer 

Was hiding on her way. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 43 

She entered the building gaily, 

Straight to the office she went ; 
She reached her hand to get her pay. 

And so her life was spent. 

While within the building, 

And near the metal room, 
She fought for that which is dearer than life. 

And so she met her doom. 

Now, while in that building, 

Though virtuous and modest too, 
She was brutally murdered 

By the negro or the Jew. 

The sad, broken-hearted mother, 

As she cries and mourns all day, 
Looking for her darling child 

Wlio never came back that wiay. 

The voice of the people 

Is the voice of God, they say ; 
So let us pray while we wait 

To hear what the court may say. 

A message came from heaven — 

'Tis in the Bible today — 
That whatsoever a man soweth 

That shall he also reap that way. 

Sweet as the fragrance of a dewy rose, 

Pure as the drifted snow. 
She died, defe;nding her virtue, 

By the cruel cord and blow. 

Made a Ittle below the angels, 

Pier blood cries to heaven today ; 
Vengeance is mine, sa'th the Lord, 

And I will surely repay. 

Oh, God of Wisdom and Mercy, 

Thou knowest the guilty one ; 
Save the honor of i sovereign State 

By ruling that justice be done. 



44 GEMS OF POETRY. 

THE ACHING HEART. 

Many are the hearts that are; aching, 

For some kind act or word ; 
The cruel treatment they now receive 

Doth cut them like a sword. 
Many are the lives that are blighted 

By the venom of passion strong — 
Not until it is too late to right them 

Can you see where you did wrong. 

So many souls that are dwarfed 

By Satan's low cunning snare — 
Jealousy, passion and sin. 

Hurts those whom to you are so dear. 
Many are the hearts that are aching 

For kind words they so need in lif^ — 
Don't wait till they are dead and gone, 

A guilty conscience will cut you like a knife. 

Speak kindly to the man of the household. 

As he cor.^c^ in from his daily toil ; 
You can never tell what he's gone through, 

Or will before another nightfall. 
Don't think that he is devoid of feeling, 

Just because he is a strong man — 
For he needs the comforts of his household — 

Now listen : wii! yo" try niy plan? 

Treat ge^ntly and kindly your mother. 

For it is the sweetest name on earth — 
There is no other that will do for you 

As mother has done from your birth. 
The sweetest and dearest names spoken — 

You can search all through yotir life : 
*Tis the name that brings peace to us, 

The sweet name of mother and wife. 



GEMS OF POETRY. 45 

THE NEGLECTED WIFE. 

The saddest woman in the whole world today 

Is the heart-broken, neglected wife. 
The one who is pining her life away, 

Whose soul is filled with strife; 
As a bride she looked for her fill of joy, 

That which rightfully belonged to her ; 
But it seemed that the other on evil was bent. 

And for her he never cast a care. 

As the time rolled on the worse he grew. 

The more he neglected her and home — 
It seemed that the world was all emptiness, 

And life only one sad, sad moan. 
She sat and cried and looked far away 

As she talked of her misspent life; 
The joy that she always looked for, 

But never had got as the neglected wife. 

Oh. Lord of heaven, look down below, 

And have pity upon her sad fate; 
Help her to see the joy of life 

Before it is too late. 
I read these lines in her sad face, 

The motherly look in her eye, 
As I thought of the blessings he had missed 

By not heeding her sad cry. 

WELCOME HOME. 

Welcome home to the fireside. 

Home where you used to be — 
Oh ! wandering ones hear the welcome. 

Whether on land or sea. 
Dear ones ready to welcome you 

Back to your old home again. 
Your absence grieves the loved ones 

And causes them needless pain. 

Hearts that are tender and bleeding. 
Grieving their poor lives away — 



46 GEMS OF POETRY. 

Waiting and watching for the wanderer, 
As they mourn both night and day. 

It may be that you left in a passion, 
Or that you just ran away — 

But the hearts that you left behind you. 
Are true and will meet you half way. 

Listen, dear wanderer, to my warning, 

For this me.ssage is to you — 
Come back to your old home place 

To your friends that are tried and true. 
Many are the friends of childhood, 

Truest friends you ever had on earth ; 
They are waiting for your coming, 

To the old hom^ place of your birth. 

Think of the family reunion, 

The joy that will be all around, 
When you return to your home place — 

Truer friends can never be found. 
You will feel the blessings of heaven. 

With friends and dear ones so true — 
This welcome to the wandering ones — 

Yes, welcome home — means welcome to you. 



THE WANDERING BOY. 

Busted and disgusted, 

And so far away from home; 
Not a brownie in my pocket. 

While among strangers I do roam. 

Hungry, oh, I am so hungry! 

So weak I am. nearly dead; 
Sleepy and so tired. 

Nowhere to lay my head. 

Busted and disgusted, 

As among strangers I do roam ; 
How my heart is filled with longing 

For the old folks at home. 



GEM'S OF POETRY. 47 

I see them sadly waiting, 

As the postman passes by; 
They bow the;ir heads in sorrow — 

Hush mother, do not cry. 

Again they watch the postman, 

For a letter from their boy; 
As he turns up toward them, 

Their hearts are filled wiith joy. 

Busted and disgusted. 

And so far away from home — 
The letter says he is coming, 

He never miore will roam. 

They watched for him in the morning. 

Again they watch at night ; 
They prayed for the wandering boy 

That's coming home tonight. _ 

.. t 

Busted and disgusted, 

He; never more will roaim^ — 
Look, mother, there is our boy; 

I see him coming home. 







AGENTS WANTED 

WRITE 

J. B. SIMMONS 

611 Temple Court, Atlanta, Ga. 
PRICE, 25 CENTS 



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